THE STRAWBEBRY. 185 



In no other fruit has the change in varieties 

 been so great as in the strawberry. Of old 

 kinds, Hovey is the only one remaining, and its 

 appearance is now a rare sight. Most varieties 

 seem to deteriorate, or become subject to dis- 

 ease. As difference in soil and climate makes 

 such material differences in results, and as new 

 varieties are constantly coming to the front, it is 

 not possible to give a list that will be perma- 

 nent. 



Sharpless is the most popular variety in all 

 sections, at the present time. It is of largest 

 size, of good quality, productive, hermaphrodite, 

 and has more points of merit than any other 

 kind. 



Charles Downing has been popular, as of fair 

 quality, uniform good size, and very productive. 

 Of late it has shown a tendency to leaf blight, 

 and it will probably give place to Miner's Pro- 

 lific, which resembles it, but is thought to sur- 

 pass it. 



Crescent and Wilson are the two most popu- 

 lar market kinds, very productive, but acid and 

 too poor for home use. Manchester is a pistil- 

 late which yields large crops and large berries 

 when fructified by Sharpless. BidweU has not 

 sustained its reputation. James Vick sets an 

 enormous number of berries, beyond its power 



